Ready to Break Up With Your Plastic Food Storage Containers? Here Are Some Alternatives

If you’re the kind of person who makes just enough pesto for one or needs a cute container for a spoonful of leftover frosting, Caraway’s Mini Food Storage Set is a delightfully functional solution. These petite, ceramic-coated glass containers are ideal for snacks, sauces, and lunchbox extras — and unlike plastic snack cups, they’re oven and microwave safe (the lids are not, just FYI). I’ve used them for leftover burrito bowls and to tote around servings of grapes and trail mix.

I love how sturdy these feel — they have a real weight to them that makes them feel expensive. Which, to be clear, they are. They also aren’t ideal for full meal portions, so if you’re meal-prepping an entrée, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. But they come with their own storage organizer (no more loose lids and stray containers!) — and, true to Caraway form, they are available in an array of pretty colors that you won’t be ashamed to leave out on your countertop.

Stasher bags are a reduced-plastic standby for a reason. Made from food-grade silicone, they’re safe for everything from freezer soups to sous vide to snack duty. The pinch-press seal holds tight, and the bags come in a huge range of colors and sizes, so whether you need something small enough to hold a sandwich or large enough for a big slice of leftover pizza, there will be a size to cover that.

Of course, these bags do come with their challenges. You’ll want to be sure they dry completely after you wash them, and you may have to get creative to do so. My solution usually involves sticking a Stasher bag on top of my sink’s sprayer until it dries, though a drying rack (which Stasher also sells) would be a more elegant solution. These are also tough to store; I’ve taken to using a plastic file holder to keep them from meeting the same fate as some of my other food storage containers (see my intro). But my sets (I have two) have lasted through multiple dishwasher cycles and do a great job of keeping my food fresh. If you’re looking for a practical, zero-waste swap, this one’s an easy favorite.

Those colorful plastic sets of yore are getting a makeover with Tupperware’s entry into the world of glass food storage. Each piece is made from thermal shock–resistant borosilicate glass, meaning you can cook a casserole, let it cool, and pop that same dish right into the fridge. They’re great for batch meals, potlucks, or anyone who’s sick of transferring food into yet another container.

Mine have been in regular rotation since Tupperware released this line a few months ago. While I have the three-piece set (which includes square, round, and rectangular containers), you can buy pieces individually if you’re short on space. These are heavy (the trade-off with choosing borosilicate glass over plastic), and while the containers themselves are oven-safe to 572 degrees F, the lids (which are plastic) are not. Still, if you’re looking to save some space in the dishwasher, these have proven to be extremely useful.

I was a chronic waster of that last bit of broth or that leftover pesto before I got these. Souper Cubes are made for freezing soups, sauces, and batch-prepped meals, and they make it convenient enough that you’ll actually follow through with your food-saving plans. The silicone trays are marked with measurement lines and reinforced with a steel rim for easy lifting, even when full. Since they’re bisphenol A (BPA)–free and designed specifically for freezer use, they’re a great alternative to plastic bags or takeaway containers — especially for high-fat or hot foods, which experts say may increase microplastic release. “Fatty and acidic foods are more likely to interact with the plastic,” says Dr. Erdle, “leading to increased leaching of additives like phthalates and bisphenols.”

These shouldn’t be microwaved (due to that steel rim). They also take up quite a bit of space — picture a tray of cup-sized ice cubes, and you’ll get the picture. But with a huge variety of sizes available and a format that makes it easy to freeze everything from portions of soup to leftover dollops of tomato paste, they can be a very handy solution to a common food storage problem.

If you want something a little classier for transporting your lunchtime salad, this compact glass lunch bowl is a minimalist alternative. The screw-top lid seals tight (yes, even with soup), the borosilicate glass feels solid, and it probably looks better than whatever you’re currently packing your leftovers in. And, as Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist and founder and CEO at Mendocino Food Consulting, notes, “Glass and stainless steel containers are the best alternatives to plastic ones, since they do not degrade or release any particles.”

Editorial director Simone Scully has a set, and she has been impressed by them. “These are kind of my new obsession — and I had my doubts. They seemed a little pricey at first and I worried that I wouldn’t find much use for them, but they have slowly become my go-to because they make meal prepping and leftovers so, so much easier,” she says.

These containers are microwave and dishwasher safe, so you can reheat and rinse without worrying too much about it. “I use them to prep my family’s lunches and snacks, store leftovers, and generally just keep things organized in my refrigerator, which is already small, so space maximization is key,” Scully says. She also appreciates their durability. “They’re glass, and the glass isn’t flimsy,” she says. “These containers don’t fall over easily in the fridge (even with a 6-year-old who is prone to shoving things back in the fridge without regard), and the silicone on the lid makes them easy to unscrew. It’s also genuinely leakproof. I never had any spills (unlike with some other containers I tried).” She concludes: “Overall, these are awesome, and I wish I had way more.”

These stackable stainless steel containers are a smart option for anyone prepping lunches or organizing leftovers without relying on plastic. They’re lightweight, won’t absorb odors, and can go from fridge to oven. They just can’t go in the microwave, for obvious reasons.

While I now work predominantly from home and the days when I used to faithfully haul a lunch to the office are long gone, I’ve found these containers to be very handy for planning ahead and portioning out leftovers to be served at a later date. The lids are made with transparent silicone, so it’s easy for me to identify the contents, and they have a nonslip silicone shell that ensures that they don’t slide around in the refrigerator. They’re the kind of containers that can take quite a beating, so whether you’re transporting salads to the office or are just accident-prone, these are a foolproof (and plastic-free) bet.

If your container situation doesn’t match your meal-prep ambitions, this set from Ello will help you get it together. The containers are all the same size (so they are easy to stack), the silicone sleeves help prevent chips and cracks, and the locking lids actually hold. “I’ve used one of these for years, and it hasn’t broken yet,” says writer and editor Nicole Bonaccorso. “It’s great for leftovers, but a bit heavy for a school lunch. I love the color choices. One tip: Be sure to take off the silicone exterior from time to time during washing, just to ward off any buildup or mildew.”

It is worth noting that the lids are plastic, albeit BPA-free plastic, and the 3.4-cup size may be a bit too petite for bigger portion sizes. But we like the way the colorful silicone sleeves give you a little added security, and overall, they’re great for prepping ahead, packing lunches, and just making you feel like you have your life together.

If you’ve been meaning to purge your kitchen of mismatched plastic containers and just start fresh, like editor Ally Hirschlag did, this 24-piece set will get you there in one fell swoop. “When I decided to throw away all my plastic containers in an attempt to reduce microplastics exposure, the JoyJolt containers came to my rescue. I was apprehensive about switching to mostly glass because I’m accident-prone, but these guys are virtually indestructible,” Hirsclag says.

The lead-free borosilicate glass can withstand temperature swings (though the company does not list an upper oven-safe temperature limit for its glassware), the locking lids clamp down tightly, and the size variety covers everything from leftover soup to a handful of chopped herbs. “They’re made of borosilicate glass, which never seems to get too hot in the microwave, but also insulates super well in the freezer. I love the leakproof lids (they really and truly are leakproof), and that you get a nice range of shapes and sizes in the set,” she adds.

We do wish JoyJolt was a bit more specific about its temperature ranges, and the lids need to be treated somewhat carefully to keep them in top shape (and to ensure they continue to seal tightly). The lids are also made of BPA-free plastic, which may not be ideal for folks looking to avoid the material entirely. But if you’re looking for an affordable way to say goodbye to your plastic food storage, this set is an easy way to do it. “Now I just need about 10 more to support my leftovers habit!” Hirschlag concludes.

These stainless steel canisters are ideal for dry goods (like oats), pasta, or baking staples (like flour and sugar). While they don’t offer the airtight seal needed for long-term preservation (these have a simple screw-top lid), they’re durable, attractive, and plastic-free, which is great if you want to transition your pantry staples away from plastic bins and bags.

I like the range of sizes in this set; the larger canisters are ideal for flour and sugar, while I use the smaller ones for more specialized ingredients, like caster sugar or those partial servings of dried rotini I don’t know what to do with. They keep messes to a minimum (anyone who has ever split a plastic bag of dried lentils will know my pain), and the clear strip on the front of each container makes it easy to view the contents at a glance. Or you can be fancy like me and get a label maker. My pantry will never be Pinterest-worthy, but these canisters help prevent it from becoming a total disaster. 

If your goal is to bring more nonplastic containers into your kitchen, but you still want something that looks nice on open shelves, these glass jars from BaoFull are a solid pick. The borosilicate glass is BPA‑free and strong enough for everyday pantry use, so coffee beans, cereal, nuts, sugar, and pasta all get a tidy home. Each jar comes with a natural acacia wood lid with a silicone seal to keep air out and freshness in (and give them a little added warmth and charm). They also stack neatly, thanks to the shape of the lids, making organization just a little bit easier.

“These glass food storage containers replaced some of my old plastic ones, and I have to say, it was worth it. The sizes are functional for things like grains and pasta, but they’re also very pretty,” Scully says. She also appreciates another important aspect of their design: the lids. “The seals on the lid are also surprisingly good, which was my biggest worry. I’m not sure if I’d store flour in these, but the seal does seem to actually do its job well. Whenever you open the jars, there’s a very satisfying ‘pop,’ which I personally find very reassuring,” she says.

These are strictly pantry organizers, and Scully observed that they feel “a little fragile.” However, if you prefer something a little warmer than stainless steel for your decor, these are an affordable and attractive option.

Bee’s Wrap is a zero-waste alternative to plastic wrap that actually helps keep your food fresh. Made from organic cotton coated in beeswax and tree resin, these wraps mold to bowls, fruit, or sandwiches using the warmth of your hands. When they wear out, they’re fully compostable or can even be used as a fire starter, according to the company. “This is another I’ve used for quite a while,” says Bonaccorso. “You can even add more wax when it wears off, but it has taken me years to get to that point. I use these over bowls of leftovers, or the occasional can of pumpkin, beans, or tomatoes if I open something and don’t use it all up. I also think these are great to cover up an avocado half.”

These don’t last forever — Bee’s Wrap indicates that their lifespan is usually about a year, though Bonaccorso finds that they last much longer with proper care — and they have to be hand-washed and allowed to air-dry. Note that part of that proper care is washing them in cool water and avoiding wrapping warm foods (this can melt and remove the wax). But they’re considerably more environmentally friendly than those reams of cling-wrap you’re probably using. Plus, the company even makes a beeswax-free version for those who prefer to stick with vegan products.

If your crisper drawer is full of good intentions and a healthy dose of guilt, this one’s for you. Vejibag helps extend the life of leafy greens and veggies by creating a slightly humid environment that keeps them crisp, without trapping condensation the way plastic does. Made from organic cotton, it’s washable, reusable, and biodegradable when it’s finally worn out.

“If you’re like me, and you skip putting your veggies in the plastic bags provided in the produce aisle, this is the tool to keep your lettuce, spinach, and other veggies fresh,” says Bonaccorso. “All you have to do is wet the organic cotton bag, put your veg inside, and plop it in the refrigerator. You won’t have to worry about your carrots getting soft or your greens drying up.”

Bonaccorso noted that the most annoying thing about the Vejibag is the need to periodically dampen it to retain its produce-preserving qualities. It also has quite a niche purpose. However, while it won’t replace your full food storage lineup, it’s a great tool if you’re trying to cut back on food waste and single-use plastic at the same time.